THE future of Sale Sharks, the North West's only Premiership rugby side, could depend on the Friday night experiment that started in resounding fashion at Heywood Road last night (Friday).

THE future of Sale Sharks, the North West's only Premiership rugby side, could depend on the Friday night experiment that started in resounding fashion at Heywood Road last night (Friday).

A crowd of over 5,000, just short of capacity at the postage stamp-sized ground in Sale, went away delighted after an evening of exciting rugby that was packed with drama.

The outcome wasn't settled until well into injury time by local hero Charlie Hodgson, when he dropped a goal to give the Sharks maximum points against Northampton Saints.

Hopefully, those present last night will want to return for more of the same and the next home game against English and European Champions Leicester Tigers already looks like being a sell-out.

Paltry crowds

Which is just as well because owner Brian Kennedy, who rescued the club from virtual extinction two years ago, has made it abundantly clear that the Sharks can't survive on the paltry crowds that have been a feature of recent seasons.

He is hoping that regular 'house full' signs will have to be displayed at the tiny ground this season.

With the quality of rugby on offer, a full house is the least this side deserves because the Sharks have produced some of the most exciting rugby seen in the Zurich Premiership.

There will never be a better chance to secure the club's future than at present because they finished last season as runners-up to Leicester and won the European Shield for the first time.

Party occasion

Last night's game was more of an occasion than usual, with the theme music from Jaws just before kick-off being drowned out by a fireworks display as the Sharks took the field.

There was a party atmosphere and that's just what Kennedy wants. Families were noticable in the crowd and there was a buzz around the ground that isn't always there on a Saturday.

The hope is that watching top -class rugby on a Friday evening will acquire an almost cult-like status. On the evidence of last night, Mr Kennedy could be on to a winner.